Travelling abroad with Anorexia

For anorexics, travelling abroad can be a very stressful time as there are so many situations that will be challenging for them: eating in front of people and not accessing the food they are used to are just two.

Being taken away from their regular food intake pattern can be very challenging for an anorexic. However, there are many sufferers who don’t want their eating disorder to stop them from seeing the world or visiting a relative abroad.

It is up to you and your doctor to know whether travelling abroad is a good idea if you either are in the throes of anorexia or if you are recovering.

If you do decide to take the plunge, we have researched some tips so that you can enjoy your trip and help aid your recovery:

• It’s all in the planning: don’t add to your stress – leave earlier than you need to in order to get to the airport/port on time.
• Pack the food and drink that you know you like for the journey. You’ll have to replenish the drink when you are ‘air side’ as you will be asked to bin your bottled drinks before travelling through to the gates. So, make sure you have enough snacks to keep you going for the flight.
• Try to get some sleep whilst airborne – use an eye mask and ear plugs, if necessary, and invest in one of those blow-up pillows that fits around your neck to support your sleepy head.
• Eating is an opportunity to engage with other people and their cultures but know where your limits are – it could be you can only cope with eating out once while you are there.
• Do your research on where you are staying in terms of food. Find out if there are local foods similar to the types you are used to eating.
• If it is your habit to graze every few hours, make sure that is what you do abroad.

Lastly, do ring us and talk to us about your condition before you travel. Direct-Travel Insurance covers a variety of eating disorders. Undeclared conditions can invalidate your cover, yet declaring any condition may not involve a significant increase on your policy. Contact us now to find out.